Minutes of the meeting held on
Thursday, 3 May 2001
in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

Present were:-
Rev Dr Wm McCrea MP (Chairperson)
Ms C Hanna (Deputy Chairperson)
Mrs J Carson
Mr A Doherty
Mr D Ford
Mr M McLaughlin
Mr M Murphy
Mr E Poots
Mr D Watson

Apologies:-
Mr J Leslie

In attendance:-
Mr J Simmons (Committee Clerk)
Mr J Beatty (Assistant Clerk)
Mr J Nulty (Executive Support)
Miss M Devine (Administrative Support)

The meeting commenced at 10.32am.

The minutes of the meeting of 26 April 2001 were agreed.

1. Proposed ferry crossing - the outcome of the economic appraisal from Newry and Mourne District Council is awaited; and
2. Hare Coursing - further legal advice is awaited from the Department.

The Committee discussed the Department's Work Programme for April - June 2001.

Mr E Poots joined the meeting at 10.48am.

1. Motor Vehicle Testing (Fees) (Amendment) Regns (NI) 2001

The Committee discussed the letter from the Department on the issues raised at last week's meeting.

Agreed: To write to the Department again for further clarification on why there should be such a disparity between the NI and GB rates in Appendix C.

2. Historic Monuments (Class Consents) Order (NI) 2001

The Committee noted the Report from the Examiner of Statutory Rules.

Mr E Poots rejoined the meeting at 12.14pm.

Mr E O'Donnell and Mr P Bowe, representatives from the North West Taxi Proprietors Ltd., joined the meeting at 10.54am and gave a presentation on issues affecting the taxi industry.

Ms C Hanna joined the meeting at 10.55am.

After their presentation, the representatives answered questions from the Members.

The Chairperson thanked them for their attendance and the representatives left the meeting at 11.36am.

Mr E Poots left the meeting at 11.36am.

Agreed: To write to the Department for an update on the current position regarding the taxi industry and to establish contacts for the NWTP Ltd.

Mr R Ramsey, Mr C Henry, Mr G Nelson, Mr S Aston and Mr D Bell, Officials from the Department joined the meeting at 11.37am and gave a presentation on the Department's role in the preparation of contingency plans in relation to Foot and Mouth Disease, in particular, the burial of carcasses.

After the presentation, the Officials answered questions from the Members.

Mr A Doherty left the meeting at 11.45am.
Mrs J Carson left the meeting at 11.49am.
Mr E Poots rejoined the meeting at 11.50am.

The Chairperson thanked the Officials for their attendance and they left the meeting at 12.15pm.

The Committee discussed a minute from the Clerk of the Committee for the Centre and a letter from the Department on the proposal to transfer a range of powers and functions to to other Departments.

Agreed: To write to the Department to ask for clarification on the proposed transfers.

The Committee discussed two letters, one addressed to the Chairman and one addressed to the Committee.

Agreed: To reply to these letters as agreed.

Ms C Hanna left the meeting at 12.29pm.

The Committee considered the appointment of a Specialist Advisor.

Agreed: (i) To appoint a specialist advisor to consider the report; and

(ii) To discuss the draft Report at the meeting on 10 May 2001.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held in Room 144, Parliament Buildings on Thursday, 10 May 2001 at 10.30am.

The meeting closed at 12.44pm.

Dr Wm McCrea MP MLA
Committee Chairperson

26 April 2001 / Menu / 10 May 2001